If you have traveled with one of our teams to Zambia, then you likely remember Aubrey.  He was one of the older boys on the streets.  We don’t know how old.  Without birth records, birthday celebrations, or parents, it is very hard to discern an age.  But we know that Aubrey has been on the streets at least since our first scouting trip to Zambia in 2004.  Yes, that’s 19 years ago. After more than 19 years of street life and inhaled drug abuse, our staff began to fear for his life. He suffered obvious loss to his mental capacity from the drugs and has endured much abuse from others on the streets. There seem to be no hope for Aubrey, until…

Abbas Skills Training Center was established in 2022.  The STC, as it is called, is a place for older boys from the streets.  Some of them will progress in a skill and learn to live on their own. A few, like Aubrey, will learn skills to contribute to life around the campus and likely live on separate part of the campus for the rest of their lives.  It is a place for refuge, restoration, and renewal.

Aubrey joined the STC boys earlier this year.  The plan for him is to remain long term but our staff is amazed at his progress.  As he rests in safety surrounded by respect and love, he has begun dreaming about a new life for himself. Aubrey wants to farm and is well on his way with several of his own vegetable beds. We pray that his mind will continue to heal and at some point he will understand the message of the gospel for his life.